Motorized vacuum/pressure marinating food and storage container

ABSTRACT

A container for storing food at a predetermined vacuum or pressure condition. A lid includes a vacuum or pressure pump for removing or adding fluid, a controller and an electrical circuit including a normally-closed indicator contact which is opened by an indicator when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level above or below that outside the container and a normally-opened switch contact closed by a switch when the lid is attached and sealed to a container. The method includes attaching the lid to the container, closing the indicator and switch contacts to activate the pump to remove or add fluids to the container through the lid, and opening the indicator contact when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level of pressure or vacuum. The controller then cycles the pump on and off. Subsequently, the lid is removed from the container to open the switch contact and render the pump inoperable.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/605,468 filed on Oct. 1, 2003. The subject matter of this application is related to that disclosed and claimed in U.S. application serial no. [ATTY DOCKET NO. EIC 100002000] entitled “Vacuum Sealable Coffee and Marinating Food Storage Container” by the same inventor filed on even date herewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to motorized pumps and stoppers which may be used for pressurizing and/or evacuating food or drink containers and, in particular, to a motorized vacuum/pressure pump which employs a piston drive mechanism to convert rotary motion of a motor to a reciprocating motion of a piston and a valve selectable to change the pump between vacuum and pressure pumping modes, and a stopper which may be switched between pour and vacuum/pressure seal positions. The pump may be incorporated into the lid of a food storage container, which may be used for storing or marinating food under vacuum or pressure.

2. Description of Related Art

A combination vacuum/pressure pump for preserving wine and/or foods under vacuum, and pressurizing carbonated drinks and other foods, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,785. This pump utilizes a hand-pumping mechanism, switchable between vacuum and pressure modes, and mates with a valve stopper, likewise switchable between vacuum and pressure modes, that is disposed in the open mouth of a food or drink container. While this combination vacuum/pressure pump is quite useful, it requires the user to open the pump head to switch between the vacuum and pressure pumping modes. A more convenient vacuum/pressure switching method would be useful. Also, it would be useful to have a vacuum/pressure pump which does not require hand-pumping operation.

The '785 patent also discloses a stopper for use with the vacuum/pressure pump, which has a valve element that may be reversed between vacuum and pressure sealing positions. However, in order to access the contents of the food or drink container, the stopper must be removed from the mouth of the container. It would be useful to provide a way to access the contents of the container without having to remove the stopper.

Another vacuum pump and stopper system employs an audible click when the system reaches a desired level of vacuum, relying on a mechanical system to generate the sound. It would be useful to have an indicator in both a vacuum and pressure system that provides a reliable indicator, not limited to a sound, to indicate when the desired level of vacuum or pressure has been achieved.

Some foods or drinks that are preferably stored at a vacuum also are provided in containers that cannot be closed with bottle stoppers, such as coffee in conventional one-pound containers. It would be desirable to have a way to automatically seal and store the contents of such containers in a vacuum.

Moreover, it is important in vacuum/pressure pump and stopper systems to utilize one-way valves that are inexpensive to manufacture, yet seal properly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Bearing in mind the problems and deficiencies of the prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a combination vacuum/pressure pump, which is conveniently switchable between the vacuum and pressure modes.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a vacuum/pressure pump which is externally switchable between vacuum and pressure modes.

A further object of the invention is to provide a combination vacuum/pressure pump which does not require hand pumping operation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a combination vacuum/pressure pump which is of compact design and which may easily fit into, and be operated by, a user's hand.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a stopper for vacuum or pressure sealing a food or drink container that provides ready access to the contents of the container, without having to remove the stopper.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a pump that reliably indicates the desired level of vacuum or pressure.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a pump and lid combination which automatically seals and store the contents of such containers in a vacuum.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a one-way valve that may be used in both vacuum/pressure pumps and stoppers that is inexpensive to manufacture, yet seals properly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a vacuum food marinating method and device.

The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed in one aspect to a combination vacuum and pressure pump comprising a pump housing having an opening for connection to a container to be evacuated or pressurized, a pump chamber within the pump housing, and a piston in sliding, substantially airtight engagement with walls of the pump chamber, adapted to reciprocate between pressure and vacuum strokes within the chamber. The pump includes at least one one-way valve communicating with the pump chamber, permitting passage of fluid only into or out of the pump chamber and a selectable flow control member in the pump housing having a pair of passages therein and movable between pressure and vacuum positions. In the pressure position, one of the selectable flow control member passages connects the pump chamber and the pump housing opening to permit passage of fluid from the pump chamber out of the housing connection opening during the piston pressure stroke, and the other of the selectable flow control member passages permits passage of fluid into the pump chamber from a region external to the pump chamber through a one-way valve during the piston vacuum stroke. In the vacuum position, one of the first selectable flow control member passages connects a one-way valve to the pump chamber to permit passage of fluid from the pump chamber out to the external region through the one-way valve during the piston pressure stroke, and the other of the selectable flow control member passages permits passage of fluid from the housing connection opening to the pump chamber during the piston vacuum stroke.

The pump preferably includes a motor for reciprocating the piston within the pump chamber, more preferably a motor having a rotating output shaft and a piston drive for converting rotary movement of the output shaft to reciprocating motion of the piston within the pump chamber.

Preferably, the selectable flow control member has a first passage extending from one side to the other, and the one-way valve is disposed in the selectable flow control member first passage. The selectable flow control member is rotatable: i) in the pressure position, to place the one-way valve in an orientation to permit passage of fluid only into the piston chamber, and ii) in the vacuum position, to place the one-way valve in an orientation to permit passage of fluid only out of the piston chamber.

The selectable flow control member may comprise a cylindrical body rotatingly received within a cavity in the pump housing, wherein the passage therein extends from an opening on one side surface of the body to an opening on the other side surface of the body. There is further included a seal extending around the flow control member body, such as O-rings, between the body and the cavity, separating the passage openings on each side surface of the flow control member body. The selectable flow control member preferably also includes a handle extending outward of the pump housing for rotating the selectable flow control member between the pressure and vacuum positions.

More preferably, the selectable flow control member has a pair of passages extending from one side to the other, and includes a first one-way valve disposed in one of the selectable flow control member passages and a second one-way valve disposed in the other of the selectable flow control member passages, with the one way valves being disposed in opposite orientations in the passages. The selectable flow control member is rotatable: i) in the pressure position, to place the first one-way valve in an orientation to permit passage of fluid from the external region only into the piston chamber and to place the second one-way valve in an orientation to permit passage of fluid only out from the piston chamber and through the housing connection opening, and ii) in the vacuum position, to place the first one-way valve in an orientation to permit passage of fluid from the piston chamber only out to the external region and to place the second one-way valve in an orientation to permit passage of fluid only into the piston chamber from the housing connection opening.

In another embodiment, the pump includes a pair of one-way valves communicating with the pump chamber, with the first one-way chamber valve permitting passage of fluid only into the pump chamber, and the second one-way chamber valve permitting passage of fluid only out of the pump chamber. The pump also includes a pair of one-way valves communicating externally to the pump housing, with the first one-way external valve permitting passage of fluid only out to a region external to the pump housing, and the second one-way external valve permitting passage of fluid only out of the housing connection opening. In this embodiment, the selectable flow control member is disposed in the pump housing between the one-way chamber valves and the one-way external valves, and has a pair of passages therein and movable between pressure and vacuum positions. In the pressure position, the first selectable flow control member passage connects the second one-way chamber valve to the housing connection opening and the second selectable flow control member passage connects the pump chamber to the second one-way external valve, thereby permitting passage of fluid from the pump chamber out of the housing connection opening during the piston pressure stroke, and permitting passage of fluid from the external region to the pump chamber during the piston vacuum stroke. In the vacuum position, the first selectable flow control member passage connects the pump chamber to the first external valve opening and the second selectable flow control member passage connects the first chamber valve to the housing connection opening, thereby permitting passage of fluid from the pump chamber out to the external region during the piston pressure stroke, and permitting passage of fluid from the housing connection opening to the pump chamber during the piston vacuum stroke.

The piston drive may comprise a member extending transversely to the direction of movement of the piston and a track extending circumferentially around and engaging the transversely extending member in sliding relationship. The track has a non-linear configuration, preferably substantially sinusoidal, such that, upon rotation of the output shaft, the transversely extending member slides with respect to the track and imparts a reciprocating motion to the operatively connected piston within the pump chamber. Preferably, the transversely extending member is disposed on a rotatable drive member operatively connected to the motor output shaft and comprises at least one wheel slidingly captured in the track, which extends circumferentially around an interior wall of a reciprocating drive member connected to the piston. The rotatable drive member extends within the reciprocating drive member and adapted to rotate the transversely extending member to cause the transversely extending member to slide within the track and impart reciprocating motion to the operatively connected piston within the pump chamber.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a pump comprising a pump housing having a pump chamber, and a piston in sliding, substantially airtight engagement with walls of the pump chamber, adapted to reciprocate in a direction between pressure and vacuum strokes within the chamber, for pumping air into or out of the pump. The pump includes a motor in the pump housing powering a rotatable output shaft and a piston drive operatively connecting the motor output shaft and the piston. The piston drive comprises a member extending transversely to the direction of movement of the piston and a track extending circumferentially around and engaging the transversely extending member in sliding relationship. The track has a non-linear configuration such that, upon rotation of the output shaft, the transversely extending member slides with respect to the track and imparts a reciprocating motion to the operatively connected piston within the pump chamber.

Preferably, the one-way valve comprises a valve seat having an opening therein; and a valve diaphragm having a sealing member supported by flexible arms in a normally biased position against and sealing the valve seat opening. When a fluid such as air is forced in a first direction through the valve seat opening against the sealing member, the arms flex and move the sealing member away from the valve seat opening to permit fluid (air) flow out of the valve seat opening. When the fluid (air) is forced in a direction opposite the first direction, the arms do not flex and the sealing member remains in the normally biased position against and sealing the valve seat opening to restrict fluid flow. More preferably, the sealing member comprises a bulb or cap suspended by a plurality of radially extending arms attached to the valve seat outward of the valve seat opening.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a pump comprising a pump chamber, a piston in the pump chamber, and the aforedescribed one-way valve communicating with the pump chamber.

A further aspect of the present invention is directed to a pump comprising a housing, a pump chamber in the housing, a piston slidable in the pump chamber, and an indicator for indicating when a desired level of vacuum or pressure has been reached. The indicator comprises a flexible membrane exposed to atmospheric pressure outside the pump and to fluid pressure present within the pump chamber, and a movable electrical contact operatively connected to the membrane. The movable contact completes one circuit when the pressure in the pump falls to a desired pressure below atmospheric pressure, and completes another circuit when the pressure in the pump rises to a desired pressure above atmospheric pressure. The indicator also includes an indicator signal energizable when the movable electrical contact completes either one or the other circuit.

The pump housing opening may be removably connected to an opening of a food or drink container, preferably to a one-way stopper in an opening of a food or drink container

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a stopper for contacting and seating with an opening in a container, the stopper having an opening therethrough between the container interior and exterior and the aforedescribed one-way valve disposed in the opening.

In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a stopper for contacting and sealing with an opening in a container, with the stopper having a pour opening for accessing contents in the container. The pour opening is movable between open and closed positions, and includes a one-way valve movably disposed in the stopper between an operative position to permit one-way flow of fluid into or out of the container when the pour opening is in the closed position, and an inoperative position when the pour opening is in the open position.

Preferably, the one-way valve is movable to a first operative position when the pour opening is in the closed position to permit one-way flow of fluid into the container, and to a second operative position when the pour opening is in the closed position to permit one-way flow of fluid out of the container. The stopper more preferably includes a rotatable ball valve body having the pour opening disposed therein in a first direction, and the one-way valve disposed therein in a second direction. The ball valve body is movable between the first and second directions to open and close the pour opening, and respectively render inoperative and operative the one-way valve.

Additionally, the stopper opening between the container interior and exterior includes a central pour opening for pouring out the contents of the container when the container is tipped from an upright position, and at least one parallel passageway adjacent the central pour opening to permit air to flow into the container to release back pressure.

Preferably, the present invention provides the aforedescribed pump and stopper in combination with each other.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of marinating food comprising providing a container for the food and a removable lid to hermetically seal the container. The lid includes a pump for pressurizing air into or evacuating air from the container, and a controller adapted to cycle the pump on and off. Te method includes hermetically sealing the food in the container in contact with a marinade and, using the controller, cycling the pump on and off to marinade the food in the container. A pressure or vacuum indicator may be provided to turn the pump off when a desired degree of pressure or vacuum is achieved in the container.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of marinating food comprising providing a container for the food, the container having a pump for pressurizing air into or evacuating air from the container, and a controller. The controller is adapted to control the degree of pressure or vacuum to be achieved in the container, the time for which the pressure or vacuum is maintained, the admission of air into or evacuation of air out of the container, and the time for which the air admission or evacuation is maintained. The method includes providing a marinade in the container, and hermetically sealing the food in the container in contact with the marinade. The controller is then used to repeatedly pressurize air into or evacuate air from the container to a desired degree of pressure or vacuum, maintain the food in contact with the marinade under the pressure or vacuum for a desired time, release the hermetic seal to permit air to enter or leave the container, and maintain the food in contact with the marinade and the pressurized air or vacuum in the container for a desired time in accordance with a desired control program.

The controller may also be used to repeatedly: a) evacuate air from the container to a desired degree of vacuum, b) maintain the food in contact with the marinade under the vacuum for a desired time, c) release the hermetic seal to permit air to enter the container, and d) maintain the food in contact with the marinade and the air in the container for a desired time, in accordance with a desired control program.

The food may be disposed on the base of the container when in contact with the marinade, and the method may further include raising the base of the container during evacuation of the container to move the food with respect to the marinade. Preferably, the container is provided with a flexible base, and wherein evacuating air from the container causes the base to raise as a result of pressure differential between the vacuum in the container and atmospheric air pressure outside the container.

The controller may include a selection of control programs for different degrees of vacuum to be achieved in the container, times for which the vacuum is maintained, amount of air to be admitted into the container, and/or times for which the air admission is maintained, and including selecting the desired control program prior to using the controller.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of storing food at a predetermined vacuum or pressure condition comprising providing a container for the food, wherein the container has an opening therein, and providing a lid portion adapted to seal to the opening of the container. There is also provided a vacuum or pressure pump having passages for removing or adding fluid through the lid portion, a motor attached to the lid for operating the pump, a battery attached to the lid for energizing the motor. An electrical circuit connects the battery and motor and includes a normally-closed indicator contact which is opened by an indicator when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level above or below that outside the container and a normally-opened switch contact closed by a switch when the lid is attached and sealed to a container. The method includes attaching the lid to the container, closing the indicator and switch contacts to activate the pump to remove or add fluids to the container through the lid, and opening the indicator contact when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level of pressure or vacuum. Subsequently, the lid is removed from the container to open the switch contact and render the pump inoperable.

Where the pump is a vacuum pump, the indicator may include a normally-closed indicator contact which is opened when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level below that outside the container. The method then includes opening the indicator contact when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level of vacuum.

The method may further including providing in the lid portion a controller adapted to cycle the pump on and off prior to removing the lid.

Another related aspect of the present invention provides a lid for a container to be maintained at a predetermined vacuum or pressure condition. Attached to a lid portion adapted to seal to the opening of a container are a vacuum or pressure pump having passages for removing or adding fluid through the lid portion, a motor attached to the lid for operating the pump, and a battery attached to the lid for energizing the motor. An electrical circuit connecting the battery and motor includes a normally-closed indicator contact which is opened by an indicator when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level above or below that outside the container. The circuit also includes a normally-open switch contact closed by a switch when the lid is attached and seated to a container. When the lid is initially attached and sealed to the container, the indicator and switch contacts are closed and the pump removes or adds fluid to the container through the lid until pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level, whereupon the indicator contact opens. When the lid is removed from the container the switch contact opens and the pump is inoperable. The pump may be the combination vacuum pressure pump, or the vacuum-only or pressure only pump embodiments described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the invention believed to be novel and the elements characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The figures are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. The invention itself, however, both as to organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the detailed description which follows taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view, partially in cross section, showing the preferred vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention mating with a prior art stopper in the neck of a food or drink container.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the major components of the preferred vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention, showing the vacuum/pressure switch in the vacuum position.

FIG. 2 a is an enlargement, partially in cross-section and partially in schematic form, of the preferred vacuum/pressure limit indicator employed in the pump of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the piston and piston drive portion of the preferred vacuum/pressure pump of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view of the interior of the piston drive chamber of FIG. 3, as it would be if unwrapped.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the preferred vacuum/pressure pump of FIG. 2, showing the vacuum/pressure switch in the pressure position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the preferred combination vacuum/pressure flow control member or switch utilized in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of another embodiment of vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention, showing the vacuum/pressure switch in the pressure position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the embodiment of FIG. 7, showing the vacuum/pressure switch in the vacuum position.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of another embodiment of the vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention, showing the vacuum/pressure switch in the pressure position.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the vacuum/pressure pump of FIG. 9, showing the vacuum/pressure valve in the vacuum position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the combination vacuum/pressure flow control member or switch utilized in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a preferred combination vacuum/pressure stopper for a food or drink container, useful with the combination vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention, with the stopper in an open, pour position.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the combination vacuum/pressure stopper of FIG. 12, with the stopper in an closed position in which the one-way valve is in an operative vacuum position.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the ball valve body and knob employed in the combination vacuum/pressure stopper of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the combination vacuum/pressure stopper of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the preferred one-way valve diaphragms of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side, cross-sectional, elevational view of the preferred one-way valve of the present invention, employing one embodiment of the diaphragm of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side, cross-sectional, elevational view of the preferred one-way valve of the present invention, employing another embodiment of the diaphragm of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is an elevational view, partially in cross section, of the combination vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention utilizing a needle to inject pressurized air through the cork and into a wine container.

FIG. 20 is an elevational view, partially in cross section, of the pump of the present invention, configured in the vacuum-pumping mode, built into the lid of a food or drink container.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the combination vacuum pump and lid of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is across-sectional view of the preferred pump of FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional elevational view of another embodiment of the vacuum/pressure food storage container and lid of the present invention, showing the flexing of the container base and food during evacuation of the container.

FIG. 23 a is a cross-sectional elevational view of an alternate base configuration for the container shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the removable vacuum/pressure limit indicator employed in the lid of FIG. 23, showing adjustment of the sensor contacts.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the vacuum/pressure limit indicator of FIG. 24, showing movement of the sensor contacts.

FIG. 26 is cross-sectional elevational view of the filter mechanism employed in the lid of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is cross-sectional elevational view of the container lid seal and contact switch employed in the lid of FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the lid seal of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view showing a further embodiment of the vacuum/pressure food storage container and lid of the present invention, wherein the pump is removable from the remainder of the lid.

FIG. 30 is an end elevational view of the container and lid of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the container and lid of FIG. 29.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed in various preferred aspects to a hand-held, battery or otherwise powered motorized combination vacuum/pressure pump for either evacuating air from, or pressurizing, liquid and other containers. In the vacuum mode, it is most useful for removing air from partially filled wine bottles and food containers, to preserve the contents. In the pressure mode, it may be used to add air to pressurize partially filled champagne or soda bottles to preserve their contents and to remove the corks from wine bottles. The motorized combination vacuum/pressure pump is intended to be used in place of the hand-operated vacuum/pressure of your U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,785, and is directly compatible with the one-way vacuum/pressure stopper shown in that patent. Other style stoppers may also be used to vacuum seal or pressurize containers.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the present invention, reference will be made herein to FIGS. 1-31 of the drawings in which like numerals refer to like features of the invention.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown the preferred embodiment of the combination vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention 10. Pump housing 12 has at a lower end thereof a pump head 14 which mates with a food, drink or other container 30 which is to be either evacuated or pressurized. As shown in FIG. 1, pump head 14 is in position to mate with a vacuum or pressure stopper 20 of the type depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,785, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Stopper 20 has a lower cylindrical portion 26 frictionally inserted into the neck opening 32 of container 30. An upstanding collar 22 has an inside corner or lip 24 which mates with the exterior conical surface of pump head 14 as shown by the dotted lines, when the pump head is lowered in the direction of the arrow to mate with stopper 20. Stopper 20 may have a vacuum or pressure configuration, as the contents of container 30 require. As shown in FIG. 1, the stopper 20 is of a vacuum configuration, wherein a mushroom valve 28 has a vacuum sealing head portion 29, which is connected by a valve stopper to a valve stopper button 27. As a vacuum is created by the mated pump, mushroom valve head 29 lifts up and permits air (or other fluid) within container 30 to be evacuated through stopper opening 23. When the vacuum pumping is ended, mushroom valve head 29 returns to seal opening 23. In the reverse, pressure position, mushroom valve 28 serves to prevent the loss of pressurizing fluid within container 30 while permitting the entry of pressurizing fluid through opening 23. Other vacuum or pressure stoppers may be utilized to mate with pump 10. While the operation of the pump of the present invention will be described with reference to pumping air, it is to be understood that the pump may be utilized to pump any other fluid as well, either gaseous or liquid.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 2, the motorized combination vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention has a generally cylindrical plastic housing 12 which is sized to be easily held by a user's hand. At the upper end thereof, a battery pack 18, either holding rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries, powers an electrical motor 40 having an output shaft 42 which rotates along an axis generally coaxial with housing 12. Alternatively, the motor may be connected by means of a conventional power cord to a source of AC or DC power. Operatively connected to the output shaft 42 of the motor is a piston drive mechanism, which comprises piston drive rotating member 52 and piston drive reciprocating member 50. Piston drive rotating member 52 is connected to output shaft 42 by a pin or other connector. Piston drive reciprocating member 50 is preferably cylindrical in configuration and coaxial with housing 12, and is connected at its lower end to piston 44 which includes a pair of flexible polymeric seals 46 which mate with and slide along the interior walls of chamber 48 within housing 12 in substantially airtight engagement. Both piston 44 and piston drive reciprocating member 50 are preferably integrally formed as a single unit, as shown, and slide in a reciprocating motion, up and down, within the housing as shown by the direction of arrow 51. The upstroke of the piston and piston drive reciprocating member is generally referred to as the vacuum stroke, and the down stroke of piston and piston and piston drive reciprocating member is generally referred to as the pressure stroke.

The structure of the piston drive mechanism is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 4. Piston drive reciprocating member 50 has a hollow cylindrical body, with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of housing 12 to permit it to reciprocate with piston 44 during the vacuum and pressure strokes in the directions of arrow 51. Piston drive rotating member 52 includes a cylindrical shaft portion extending downward from the motor output shaft within reciprocating member 50, and is held in coaxial orientation therewith by hearings 56 mounted within reciprocating member 50 and 50 a, to permit relative rotational movement of rotating member 52. Extending around the interior cylindrical wall of reciprocating member 50 is a track 54, which comprises a groove that is non-linear in configuration. In the preferred embodiment, when the interior wall of reciprocating member 50 is shown in an unwrapped view in FIG. 4, track 54 has a sinusoidal configuration which extends upward and downward as it wraps around the inner periphery of reciprocating member 50. The lower portion of track 54 is formed by a sinusoidally extending ledge within member 50, and the upper portion of the track is formed by the lower, complimentarily formed lip of inner sleeve member 50 a, which is keyed and compression fit or welded to member 50.

Received in sliding and/or rolling relationship within track 54 is a wheel 60, which is mounted on an axle 58 extending transversely from the axis of rotating member 52. When rotating member 52 rotates as shown in direction of arrow 53, it is prevented from reciprocal movement in the direction of arrow 51 by its fixed attachment to output shaft 42 of motor 40. As wheel 60 travels within track 54, due to the non-linear, sinusoidal configuration of the track, a reciprocating movement is imparted to piston drive reciprocating member 50 in direction of arrow 51. A pin 36 extending outward from reciprocating member 50 through a vertical slot 37 in the side of housing 12 prevents reciprocating member 50 from rotational movement in direction 53 while permitting reciprocating movement in directions 51. Spacer ring 55 is connected to and extends around the outer periphery of the upper portion of reciprocating member 50 to permit proper alignment during reciprocating movement. This reciprocating movement is imparted to the operatively connected piston 44 to move piston 44 alternately through vacuum and pressure strokes as motor 40 operates to turn output shaft 42 and rotating member 52. Other non-linear configurations of track 54 may be utilized for example, a saw tooth shape, to impart any type of desired reciprocating movement to piston 44. Instead of the groove shown, the track may be a continuous protrusion extending circumferentially around the inside of reciprocating member 50, and the shaft/wheel slidingly captures the protruding track. Moreover, the position of the track and shaft/wheel may be reversed, so that the track is disposed in the outer side wall of rotational member 52 and the shaft and wheel are disposed extending in from reciprocating member 50. Also, a pair of wheels may be employed, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, wherein an additional axle and wheel extend from member 52 to the right, opposite wheel 60, and also engaged with track 54.

The pumping motion of piston 44 may be utilized to operate pump 10 in either pressure or vacuum mode. A cylindrical flow control member or switch 70 (see also FIG. 6) extending through housing 12 at the lower end thereof permits the user to select either the pressure or vacuum positions by rotation of valve knob 16. Selectable flow control member 70 is disposed within the walls of a close-fitting, comparably-sized cylindrical opening 76 extending transversely across housing 12. Pump chamber 48 is formed between piston 44, housing 12 walls, and wall 71 above flow control member 70. Openings 69 a, 69 b in wall 71 respectively align and permit communication with one-way valves 62 a, 62 b, disposed in passageways 66, 68, of member 70. Both passageways extend completely through flow control member 70, so that passageway 66 connects openings 65 a and 65 b on opposite sides of member 70, and passageway 68 connects openings 67 a and 67 b on opposite sides of member 70 (FIG. 8). The lower opening 67 a of passageway 68 aligns and communicates with passageway 74 to atmospheric air surrounding housing 12, and the tower opening 65 a of passageway 66 aligns and communicates with passageway 72 which extends out through a bottom opening of pump head 14, to connect to the food or drink container. Because of its cylindrical configuration, flow control member 70 may be rotated by twisting handle 16 to change the orientations of, and permitted direction of flow through, one-way valves 62 a, 62 b. Flow control member 70 preferably has a seal comprising a resilient polymeric surface, or O-rings (not shown) around openings 65 a, 65 b, 67 a, 67 b, in slidingly sealed airtight relationship with the walls of cylindrical opening 76, to prevent air from passing around or through the member other than through passages 66 and 68, while permitting rotation of the cylindrical member.

The vacuum and pressure positions of flow control member 70 and the one-way valves therein are shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2 in the vacuum-pumping configuration, one-way valve 62 a is disposed within passageway 68 of flow control member 70, between chamber 48 and slot 74 in the side of pump housing 12 which communicates with atmospheric air surrounding housing 12. One-way valve 62 a opens to permit only outflow of air from chamber 48, through wall opening 69 a and passageway 68 to atmosphere during the downward pressure stroke of piston 44. No atmospheric air may pass into chamber 48 through one-way valve 62 a which closes during the upward vacuum stroke of the piston. Opening 65 a (FIG. 6) of cylindrical member passageway 66 communicates with bore 72 which extends out through a bottom opening of pump head 14. During the upstroke of piston 44, air flows through bore 72 in the lower end of housing 12, normally connected to a food or drink container, to one way valve 62 b which opens to permit only passage of air upward through opening 65 b, through wall opening 69 b, and into chamber 48. This permits air to be withdrawn from the container and replenished within chamber 48 during the piston upstroke. One-way valve 62 b closes and does not permit escape of air from the chamber or through internal passageway 66 to the container during the down stroke of piston 44.

In the pressure-pumping configuration depicted in FIG. 5, knob 16 is rotated 180° to reverse the configurations of the one-way valves in internal passageways 66 and 68. During the upward vacuum stroke of piston 44, air travels inward from atmosphere through slot 74 and through the now lower opening 67 b of internal passageway 68 in cylindrical member 70, through one-way valve 62 a, and then upwards and out through opening 67 a and through opening 69 a into chamber 48. During the downward pressure stroke of piston 44, one-way valve 62 a closes and does not permit flow in the reverse direction, i.e., out, of chamber 48. Instead, air in chamber 48 is exhausted through wall opening 69 b and the now upper opening 65 a of internal passageway 66, through one-way valve 62 b and cylindrical member opening 65 b, and out through bore 72 to the container. One-way valve 62 b closes and does not permit flow of air in the reverse direction.

The preferred embodiment of pump 10 also incorporates an indicator 110 to signal when the container has reached the proper level of pressure or vacuum. Indicator 110 (FIG. 2) disposed in a chamber 115 comprises a flexible membrane 122 exposed on one side to atmospheric pressure, via a vent opening 113 and on the other side to fluid pressure present in bore 72 and the container interior, via a passageway between chamber 115 and bore 72, as the pump is sealed to the container being pressurized or evacuated. Movable electrical contact 114 is attached to membrane 122, and both move progressively inward (left) when the pressure in bore 72 and the container fall farther below atmospheric pressure, and move progressively outward (right) when the pressure in bore 72 and the container rise above atmospheric pressure. When the bore/container pressure falls to a predetermined degree of vacuum, movable contact 114 completes the circuit between vacuum contact 118 and contact 116, and energizes signal 112 connected to battery pack 18, preferably a light. Conversely, when the bore/container pressure rises to a predetermined degree of overpressure, movable contact 114 completes the circuit between pressure contact 120 and contact 116, and energizes signal light 112. Alternatively, signal 112 may be a sounding device that emits a noise when energized.

Membrane 122 is preferably made from a flexible thermoplastic material of durometer and thickness suitable to move the contacts as described, when exposed to the desired pressure or vacuum limit. As shown in FIG. 2 a, a preferred embodiment 110′ of the indicator, flexible membrane 122′ extending across chamber 115 has a curved inner surface to increase the amount of surface area exposed to the pressure differential present in chamber 115, and a pair of movable electrical contacts 114 a, 114 b connected thereto. Electrical contact 119 is contacted by movable vacuum contact 114 b when the bore pressure falls to a predetermined degree of vacuum, and is contacted by movable pressure contact 114 a when the bore pressure rises to a predetermined degree of overpressure. If either event occurs, the circuit is completed to energize signal 112. The position of contact 119 may be fixed or may be adjustable for calibration purposes.

Another embodiment of the combination vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, with the flow control member in the pressure and vacuum positions, respectively. This embodiment is the same as shown in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, except that passageway 66 contains no one-way valve. In the pressure configuration, the pump operates in the same manner as described in connection with FIG. 5, with the exception that during the upstroke of piston 44, there is no one-way valve in flow control member passageway 66 to prevent air flow back into chamber from bore 72. In this embodiment, the pump relies on a one-way valve in the stopper of the food or drink container, such as the vacuum/pressure stopper 20 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,785 depicted in FIG. 1, to prevent upflow of air from the container into bore 72. The stopper of FIGS. 12-15, described further below, may also be used with this pump embodiment. Since pump head 14 is coupled and sealed firmly to the opening of the stopper, no air flows into chamber 48 through open passageway 66 during the upstroke.

The vacuum position of flow control valve 70 is shown in FIG. 8, and again the pump operates in a manner similar to that described in FIG. 2, except that there is no one-way valve in passageway 66 to prevent flow of air from chamber 48 and out through bore 72 during the downward stroke of piston 44. In a manner analogous to the pressure configuration, when the pump is coupled to a vacuum stopper 20 of the type shown in FIG. 1, the one-way valve in the stopper prevents air from entering the container, and so no air flows out of chamber 48 through bore 72 in pump head 14.

The combination vacuum/pressure pump embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 7 and 8 may also be made to be either pressure-only or vacuum-only pumps, by replacing the rotatable flow control member 70 with a fixed member with the one-way valves 62 a and/or 62 b in the appropriate orientations. Alternatively, flow control member 70 may be dispensed with entirely, and replaced with fixed passageways 66, 68, and appropriately oriented one-way valves disposed therein.

In another embodiment of the vacuum/pressure pump, depicted in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, selectable flow control member 70 is disposed below one-way valves 62 a, 62 b, and above one-way valves 62 c, 62 d, and has only angled passageways 66 a, 68 a, without any one-way valves. As shown in FIG. 9 in the pressure-pumping configuration, one-way valve 62 a is disposed between piston 44 and flow control member 70 within chamber 48, and opens to permit only outflow of air from chamber 48 during the downward pressure stroke of piston 44. No air may pass into chamber 48 through one-way valve 62 a which closes during the upward vacuum stroke of the piston. One-way valve 62 a communicates with an internal passageway 68, which extends at an angle from one side of cylindrical member 70 to the other side. During the piston downstroke, air exhausting from chamber 48 through one-way valve 62 a enters opening 67 a to internal valve passageway 68, and passes through the passageway 68 to opening 67 b (see also FIG. 11). Opening 67 b of cylindrical member 70 communicates with bore 72 which extends out through a bottom opening of pump head 14. During the upstroke of piston 44, atmospheric air flows through a slot 74 in the side of pump housing 12 from atmospheric air surrounding housing 12 to one way valve 62 d which opens to permit only passage of air upward into opening 65 b of cylindrical member 70. Another internal passageway 66 extends from opening 65 b through cylindrical member 70 and out of opening 65 a, which is in communication with chamber 48. This permits air to be replenished within chamber 48 during the piston upstroke. One-way valve 62 d closes and does not permit escape of air from the chamber or through internal passageway 66 to the atmosphere during the down stroke of piston 44. Due to the position of flow control member 70 and passageways 66, 68, valves 62 b and 62 c do not permit airflow during the pressure-pumping mode. As with the previous embodiment, flow control valve 70 preferably has a polymeric surface or O-rings (not shown) around openings 65 a, 65 b, 67 a, 67 b to prevent air from passing around or through the member other than through passages 66 a, 68 a, while permitting rotation thereof.

In the vacuum-pumping configuration depicted in FIG. 10, knob 16 is rotated 180° to reverse the configurations of internal passageways 66 and 68. During the upward vacuum stroke of piston 44, air travels upward through bore 72 and into through the now lower opening 65 a of internal passageway 66 in cylindrical member 70, and then upwards and out through opening 65 b and through open one way valve 62 b into chamber 48. One-way valve 62 b closes and does not permit flow in the reverse direction, i.e., out, of chamber 48. During the downward pressure stroke of piston 44, air in chamber 48 is exhausted through the now upper opening 67 b of internal passageway 68 through cylindrical member 70 and opening 67 a, down through open one way valve 62 c, and out through another slit 74 to atmosphere. One-way valve 62 c closes and does not permit flow of air in the reverse direction. Due to the position of flow control member 70 and passageways 66, 68, valves 62 a and 62 d do not permit airflow during the vacuum-pumping mode.

Another vacuum/pressure stopper that may be used with the combination vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 12-15. Stopper 20 a has a stopper top 22 for removable sealing engagement with a pump, preferably with pump head 14 engaging lip 24 in upper central opening 99 a. Stopper bottom 26 is disposed in neck 32 of container 30, and includes a pour passageway formed by upstanding side walls 103, which are spaced inward from lower central opening 99 b by walls 102, which form parallel annular passageways 101. During pouring, when the container is tipped from an upright position, passageways 101 surrounding pour opening 103 permit air to flow into the container to release back pressure. Pour passageway 103, walls 102 and passageways 101 may be integrally formed with stopper bottom 26, or may be formed as a separate insert. Ball valve body 98 has a generally spherical outer surface mounted within a correspondingly shaped portion of upper central opening 99 a, with shaft 96 extending outward through an opening in stopper top 22 to external knob 94. Ball valve body 98 is rotatable by knob 94 in direction 105 between pour, pressure seal and vacuum seal positions (as will be explained further below), and seals against the inner walls of upper central opening 99 a sufficiently to prevent fluid from passing around the ball valve body and shaft, while still permitting rotation. For pressure use, the stopper preferably has a positive clamping mechanism to hold it firmly to the container, for example, the screw top configuration shown in FIG. 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,785.

To permit access to the contents of the food or drink container, ball valve body 98 has a pour opening 100 therethrough which, when rotated and aligned with central opening 99 a to an open position as shown in FIG. 12, permits pouring of fluids into or out of container 30. In the open, pour position, one-way valve 62 a is inoperative. To seal the container contents for vacuum or pressure, knob 94 is rotated 90° to rotate the orientation of pour opening 100 to a closed position so that it is sealed against the inner walls of opening 99 a. Disposed along one side of pour opening 100 is an opening containing one-way valve 62 a, which is opposite passageway 97 on the other side of the pour opening. When knob 94 is rotated 90° in one direction or the other from the pour position, one-way valve 62 a is placed in either a pressure seal or a vacuum seal operative position within the appropriate stopper. In the vacuum seal position shown in FIG. 13, one-way valve 62 a seals closed when the contents of container 30 are below outside atmospheric pressure. During vacuum pumping by pump 10, one-way-valve 62 a opens to permit fluid to be removed from container 30 through passageway 103 and annular opening 101, lower central opening 99 b, passageway 97 and upper central opening 99 a. When knob 94 is rotated 180° from the position of FIG. 13, the orientation of ball valve body 98, one-way valve 62 a and passageway 97 is inverted and placed in the pressure seal position. In this position (not shown), one-way valve 62 a seals closed to prevent pressurized fluid from flowing out of container 30, while still permitting fluid to be pumped into the container by pump 10. As described above, for pressure sealing the stopper preferably employs a clamp or seal to keep the stopper in place on the container.

While any known one-way valves 62 a, 62 b, 62 c and 62 d may be utilized, for example the flap valve shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, the preferred one-way valve of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18. As shown in FIG. 16, valve diaphragm 80 is made of a one-piece, unitary, flexible polymer and has either a central sealing bulb member 86 (FIG. 17), or a flat cap member 86 a (FIG. 18), each supported by four arms 84 radially extending inward from ring member 82. FIGS. 17 and 18 depict valve diaphragm 80 mounted in any of one-way valves 62 a, 62 b, 62 c or 62 d to permit airflow only in direction 78. Because of the different orientations of the one-way valves in the figures, the relative position of the valve depicted in FIG. 17 would be inverted for those one-way valves in which the permitted airflow direction is downward. Valve diaphragm ring member 82 is disposed in the upstanding cylindrical collar 85 of the one-way valve seat 87, outward of one-way valve seat opening 64, so that arms 84 hold bulb 86 (FIG. 17) or cap 86 a (FIG. 18) in normally biased sealing relationship against valve opening 64 in the base of the valve seat. As shown in FIG. 18, when using cap 86 a, opening 64 may include an upstanding lip 64 a to seal against the lower surface of the cap in the closed position. (Lip 64 a may also be used to seal against the lower surface of bulb 86 in that embodiment.) When air is forced upward through passageway 64 in direction 78, or a vacuum is pulled above diaphragm 80 in direction 78, the bulb is drawn upward into position 86′ (FIG. 17), or the cap is drawn upward into position 86 a′ (FIG. 18), and the arms flex and stretch upward into position 84′ to open passageway 64 and permit air flow in direction 78. When the airflow is reversed, bulb 86 or cap 86 a remains seated in opening 64, and does not permit airflow in the direction opposite to arrow 78.

In operation of the combination vacuum/pressure pump of the present invention, the pump head 14 is placed in sealing relationship with a stopper or other opening in a food or drink container. For a vacuum operation, selector knob 16 is rotated to place the cylindrical flow control member 70 in the vacuum position (FIGS. 2, 8, 10) and the motor is turned on. As described previously, the rotational output of motor 40 is translated by the piston drive mechanism to reciprocating motion of piston 44, and given the configuration of one way valves 62 a, 62 b, 62 c, and/or 62 d and position of the internal passageways 66, 68 of member 70, air is drawn out of the container and exhausted through the pump chamber 48 into the atmosphere until a desired amount of air is withdrawn from the container. At that point the pump is withdrawn and the stopper 20 or 20 a, or other scaling means prevents the flow of air back into the container.

For pressurizing, pump head 14 is again sealed to a container and knob 16 is rotated to place cylindrical flow control member 70 in the pressure position and invert the positions of passageways 66, 68 (FIGS. 5, 7, 9), whereupon engaging the motor and causing the piston to reciprocate, air is drawn from the atmosphere through chamber 48, member 70 internal passageways and the appropriate one(s) of one-way valves 62 a, 62 b, 62 c and/or 62 d, and then forced down into the pump container, until it is pressurized to a desired extent. As before, the pump is then removed and the container is sealed by stopper 20 or 20 a, or other sealing means.

In addition to evacuating or pressurizing containers through a stopper valve of the type shown in FIG. 1 or 12-15, the present invention may be utilized to extract a cork from a container, for example a wine bottle, as shown in FIG. 19. An injection needle is sealed to the opening at the bottom of pump head 14 and inserted through cork 92 in the open neck 32 of bottle 30. Pressurized air may be pumped from pump 10 through needle 90 into bottle 30, to force a cork up and out of neck 32.

In FIGS. 20 and 21 there is depicted the pump of the present invention, configured in the vacuum-pumping mode, in combination with a lid of a food or drink container. Flat, circular lid 120 attaches by a lip 121 at its periphery, by snap fit, to hermetically seal the open neck of a container 130, such as a typical one-pound cylindrical coffee can, or a custom mating container. Pump 10 is shown in FIG. 20 and also in FIG. 22 in a vacuum only mode, without the movable flow control member but otherwise similar to that shown in FIG. 2, and is disposed in a horizontal configuration so that housing 12′ serves as a handle to attach and remove the lid. Battery pack 18, motor 40, output shaft 42, rotating member 52, reciprocating member 50, piston seals 46, one-way valves 62 a, 62 b and atmospheric vent 74 all operate in the same manner as previously described. Alternatively, any other air pump and one-way valve may be employed with the present invention. Passageway 72 communicates through conical head 14 with the lower side of lid 120 to permit air or other fluid to be pumped out of the interior of container 130. An electrical switch 125 is provided adjacent to the periphery of lid 120, and is movable between a biased open position when the lid is off the container, and a closed position when lid 120 is placed on the container. An electrical circuit is provided connecting battery pack 18, motor 40 and vacuum indicator 110. Unlike the indicator shown in FIG. 2 a, the contact moved by membrane 122′ is in the normally closed position at atmospheric pressure, and is opened when the pressure in passageway 72 (and the interior of container 130) reaches a desired degree of vacuum, at which time the contacts open.

When the lid is snapped onto a container at normal atmospheric pressure, switch 125 is closed and, because the switch contacts of indicator 110 are also closed, the circuit is closed, motor 40 is energized by battery 18, and pump 10 commences removing the air from the interior of container 130. When the predetermined degree of vacuum is achieved, membrane 122′ moves to open the contacts of indicator 110, and open the circuit, shutting off the vacuum pump. An indicator light 112, operatively energized by the opening of the contacts of indicator 110, may signal to the user that the predetermined degree of vacuum is achieved. Since the atmospheric pressure outside the container is higher than the pressure inside the container, one way valves 62 a, 62 b are sealed closed, and air cannot enter the container through the lid. Should the seal between lid 120 and container 130 leak while the lid is in place, or if the container otherwise permits air to enter, the contacts of vacuum indicator 110 will again close and return the contents of the container to the predetermined vacuum level. When lid 120 is removed from the container, switch 125 returns to its normally open position, and the pump cannot operate.

If one-way valves 62 a, 62 b are reversed, so that the pump operates only in the pressure mode, and indicator 110 is calibrated to open at a predetermined level of pressure above atmospheric, the combination lid 120 and pump 10 may be used to maintain the interior of container 130 in a pressurized state above outside atmospheric pressure. In their reversed position, one way valves 62 a, 62 b are sealed closed because the atmospheric pressure outside the container is lower than the pressure inside the container, and air cannot escape the container through the lid. If air does escape, indicator 110 will close its contacts, and the pump will add more air pressure. Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIGS. 20 and 21, one-way valves 62 a, 62 b may be mounted in a movable flow control valve as described previously to provide a switch between vacuum and pressure modes. Lid 120 should be provided with a positive sealing mechanism with container 130, such as a screw or clamp, if used in the pressure mode.

A controller 128, such as a microprocessor, may also be incorporated in the circuit of the lid pump 10′ to cycle the pump on and off as desired. This is useful when the container is used for marinating foods. The configuration of truncated conical head 14 permits it to be alternatively used with a stopper as well, as described above, or to directly seal to the opening of a wine bottle. In the latter case, additional structure may be needed to maintain the pump and lid combination on top of the bottle when the bottle is stored.

Another embodiment of the vacuum/pressure food storage container and lid of the present invention is shown in FIG. 23. Lid 120 again includes pump 10 and one-way valves 62 a and 62 b shown in the vacuum pumping mode. (Reversal of the direction of valves 62 a, 62 b would cause the pump to operate in the pressure mode, as explained previously.) Pump 10 is connected by tubing 108 to the container interior via filter 144 and to a vacuum indicator and sensor 110 a. Both the filter and vacuum indicator will be explained in further detail below. Air is expelled from pump 10 through one-way valve 62 a and passageway 74 either directly to the lid exterior or to the lid upper interior section 126 which is vented to the atmosphere 168 as shown. The lid underside 164 and circumferential seal 190 hermetically seal the lid over the container lip or rim 188. A preferred lid contact lever 176 extending through a portion of seal 190 is used as the lid contact sensor (125 in FIG. 1), and both the seal and contact lever will also be explained in further detail below.

Container 130 preferably has a flexible base 131, which is movable by pressure differential between normal position 131 when the interior 166 of the container is at the same pressure as the outside 168 atmospheric pressure, and a flexed position 131′ when the pressure inside the container is lower than the outside pressure. Upon hermetically sealing lid 120 over the open top of container 130, the pump 10 may be operated to draw air out of the container until a desired degree of vacuum is achieved, thereby flexing container base 131 upward. In so flexing, food 109 immersed in a marinade 111 provided within container 130 may be moved and stretched by the base 131′, which is drawn inward and upward, so as to expand the area of the food surface exposed to the marinade, or at least move it with respect to the marinade. Upon releasing the hermetic seal or otherwise permitting air to re-enter the container, the base returns to its original position 131 and again moves the food with respect to the surrounding marinade.

While base 131 is substantially flat in FIG. 23, the base may also be formed with an accordion-like structure as seen in cross-section in FIG. 23 a, where flexible base 131 a has undulations 133 that form a concentric ring pattern when seen in plan view (not shown). Such undulations are believed to assist in flexing the base upward and moving the food therein as the air is evacuated from the container. The thickness of the base may be substantially constant or may vary at different portions of the undulations. Container 130 is preferably made of a thermoplastic polymer, and the composition and thickness of the container walls (including the container bottom 131 or 131 a) may be determined without undue experimentation.

Controller 128, which controls the operation of pump 10, may also be made to cause and control the reentry of air into the container. This is done by employing an actuator operable by the controller, such as a solenoid, to open a valve in a passageway between the container interior and the external atmospheric pressure, to permit re-entry of air into the container. An electrically operated actuator 150 or 200 (FIG. 26) may be employed in this manner, as will be discussed further below. As mentioned above, the pump may be cycled on and off by the controller during the marinating of foods. In a preferred embodiment, after the food and marinade are placed in the container, the lid is hermetically sealed over the container. Following input from a user, either by a selecting from a choice of a preprogrammed default cycle or different pre-programmed vacuum cycling operations, or by manually selecting a cycling operation, the controller causes the pump to evacuate air from the container to a desired degree of vacuum, and maintain the vacuum for a desired time while the food is in contact with the marinade. After the food has been marinated under vacuum for the desired time period, the controller releases the hermetic seal to permit air to enter the container, and maintains the new pressure (which may be at atmospheric pressure or at a lower vacuum than initially created) for a desired time period, so that the food is in contact with the marinade at a higher pressure than before. After the desired time at the higher pressure is passed, the controller then again causes the pump to evacuate air from the container to the desired vacuum level and for the desired time period. This cycling of different pressures to which the food and marinade are exposed may be repeated as desired by the control program selected or inputted by the user to improve the efficiency of the marinating. With the flexible base as shown in FIG. 23, this cycling of pressure also causes movement of the food with respect to the marinade, resulting in faster and better infusion and saturation of the marinade into the food. It is believed that air and/or liquids are removed from the foods during the vacuum cycles, and are replaced by marinade liquid during re-pressurization. It is also believed that flexing movement of food such as meat between the different vacuum/pressure cycles also contributes to tenderizing of the food. The same cycling may be used at pressurized conditions above atmospheric pressure to marinate the food in the container.

A preferred embodiment of the vacuum indicator switch is shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. Indicator switch 110 a has a housing 102 that is securable in the container lid and includes attachment flange 106 that leads to a central interior chamber 104 within the housing. Flexible membrane or diaphragm 122 a seals the lower portion of chamber 104, and is movable upward (FIG. 25) in response to a degree of vacuum in chamber 104 with respect to atmospheric pressure in region 126 on the opposite side of the membrane. Tube 108 may be slidingly secured to flange 106 to connect to the container interior, which is subject to the vacuum conditions. In a preferred embodiment, tube 108 connects in a “T” connection to the tube between the vacuum pump 10 and the container interior 166. A metal electrical contact 114c has a barbed plug portion secured upward in a corresponding opening in the lower portion of membrane 122 a, so that the contact moves up and down with the membrane movement. The outwardly extending arms of contact 114 c move between a position spaced from electrical spring contact 118 c when the degree of vacuum inside the container is insufficient (FIG. 24) to a position in electrical contact with metal spring contact 118 c when the desired degree of vacuum is achieved inside the container (FIG. 25). Contacts 114 c and 118 c are electrically connected to a circuit so that the circuit closes and shuts off the vacuum pump when the contacts 114 c and 120 contact each other.

To calibrate the indicator switch to electrically signal the desired degree of vacuum, indicator switch 110 a includes an adjustable positioning mechanism for spring contact 118 c. Threaded screw 124 is received into comparably threaded opening 136 in housing 102, and includes a non-threaded barrel portion around which is slidingly mounted elevator 132 to which spring contact 118 c is fixed at one end. As screw 124 is rotated by engaging screw head 134 with a screwdriver, elevator 132 slides without rotation to move spring contact 118 c up or down as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 24. Indicator 110 a may be calibrated separately from the container lid by mounting it in a test facility (not shown) and connecting tube 108 to a vacuum source while exposing area 126 to atmospheric pressure. When the desired degree of vacuum is achieved in the vacuum source, screw 124 is adjusted so that spring contact 118 c just makes contact with the arm of contact 114 c. Indicator 110 a is then removed from the test facility and installed in the container lid, with the desired vacuum calibration.

Indicator 110 a may also be used for indicating above-atmospheric pressure by locating spring contact 118 c on the other side of the aim of contact 114 c, below, so that when membrane 122 a moves downward due to overpressure in chamber 104, the contacts 114 c and 118 c make electrical contact at the desired pressure above atmospheric.

A filter to clean air entering and leaving the container interior 166 is shown in FIG. 26. Filter and vacuum release mechanism 140 has housing 142 disposed between lid top 154 and lid bottom 164. At the lower end of housing 142 a filter of desired porosity is secured between lower mesh screen 146 and housing interior chamber 148. Housing 142 includes attachment flange 170 which receives tube 108 to connect the vacuum pump 10 to chamber 148. When air is evacuated from the container by the vacuum pump, it travels from the container interior through mesh screen 146, through filter 144, through chamber 148 and out through tube 108. In doing so, spattered food particles, including drops from the marinade or other liquid in the container, are trapped by the mesh screen and filter, so that they do not damage the pump.

Mechanism 140 also includes a release actuator 150 mounted in lid upper surface 154 to permit the vacuum to be released from the container. Release actuator 150 is urged by coiled spring 152, mounted in lid opening 155 around the button body, upward away from valve 158. Valve 158 is urged by coiled spring 162, mounted on interior housing shoulder 174 in the lower end of chamber 148, upward against shoulder 172 in the upper end of chamber 148. A flexible seal 160 around valve 158 ensures that no air enters the upper end of the chamber when the valve is closed. To release the vacuum inside the container, the user may manually push actuator 150 down with a finger against spring 152, and the lower end of body portion 156 then pushes valve 158 downward against spring 162. Atmospheric air from region 168 outside the lid or from vented air 126 in the upper lid interior then passes around the opened valve 158, into chamber 148 and through filter 144 and mesh screen 146 into container interior 166. In doing so, the atmospheric air is filtered, and any trapped particles at the lower end of the filter and screen tend to be cleaned off and expelled back into the container.

Instead of being manually operable, release actuator 150 may comprise an electrically actuated solenoid that is actuated either by the user directly or by the controller. In the embodiment where the container is used to marinate foods using automatic cycling, upon user actuation to release the vacuum the controller will preferably be reset to discontinue the cycling and return to its initial state.

Both manual and electrically-operated pressure release actuators may be incorporated into the container or lid by configuring release actuator 150 as a manual push button, and by adding an electrically operated actuator 200 connected by tube segment 108 a to tube 108. A solenoid 202 within the actuator is operable by the controller 128 (FIG. 23) to depress valve 158 a and permit outside atmospheric air to enter through opening 204 and around opened valve 158 a into tube 108. The atmospheric pressure air then passes into chamber 148 and through filter 144 into the container, as previously described.

A preferred seal between lid 120 and container 130 is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28. A lip or rim 188 extends continuously around the entire open top of container 130, and includes an outwardly protruding portion 188 a extending away from the container opening, and an upward and inward portion 188 b on the lip end. Lip portions 188 a, 188 b smoothly curve in cross section into the outer and inner walls, respectively, of container 130. Lid 120 includes a flexible polymeric seal 190 extending continuously around the outside of the lower surface 164 to mate with container lip 188. Seal 190 is formed preferably by injection molding and includes a portion 194 configured to mate with outwardly protruding lip portion 188 a and an integral portion 192 configured to mate with upper or inward lip portion 188 b. The lower inwardly extending portion 190 a of the seal has an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the container outwardly extending lip portion 188 a, so that the lid snaps onto the container. Lid seal portion 194 is formed to mate in a tight fit with protruding lip portion 188 a to create an initial seal that is at least partially airtight when lid 120 is first placed onto container 130. This initial seal is sufficient to permit the partial evacuation of air from the container as pump 10 begins operation. Lid seal portion 192 preferably does not create a full hermetic seal when with container lip portion 188 b when the lid is initially snapped onto the container. Instead, seal portion 192 is in at least partial contact with or spaced away slightly from container lip portion 188 b prior to evacuation of the container, as shown in FIG. 28. As pump 10 begin operation, the air pumping capacity of pump 10 is sufficient to create an initial seal between seal portion 194 and to create a partial vacuum within container. With increasing air evacuation, and decreasing interior pressure in the container, lid seal portion 192 is squeezed down against container lip portion 188 b by the downward force of lid 120, which is caused by the pressure differential between the partial vacuum inside the container and the atmospheric pressure outside the container. As seal portions 192 flex and deform into contact and engagement with container lip portion 188 b, shown by the direction of arrows 196, a full hermetic seal is created between these portions 188 b, 192 of the container lip and lid seal, respectively.

Lid seal 190 also includes an opening in a single location around the lid periphery between seal outer portion 194 and seal upper and inner portions 192. This opening permits an end 186 of lever 176 to contact the upper portion of container lip 188. Contact lever 176 is part of switch 125 which signals when the lid is in proper closed position over container 130. Lever 176 rotates around pivot 184 and is biases by coil spring 182 in a counterclockwise rotation, as shown in FIG. 27. As lever end 186 contacts container lip 188, it is forced in a clockwise direction to pivot so that the opposite end 178 of lever 176 contacts electrical contact 180, and signals to the controller (128 in FIG. 1) that the lid has closed the container, and that pump 10 is permitted to begin operation. As described previously, the controller may then automatically start pump 10 to evacuate the container. To prevent exhaustion of the pump battery or damage to the pump in the event that the container has an air leak (either in the seal or otherwise), the preferred microprocessor controller may also incorporate a timer to disengage and turn of the pump after a predetermined period of time has passed. This time period may be pre-programmed into the controller, or set by the user. In any event, the controller preferably disengages operation of the pump at the earlier of achieving the desired degree of vacuum in the container, as signaled by vacuum indicator (110, FIGS. 1 and 9, or 110 a, FIGS. 24 and 25), or of expiration of the predetermined time period.

To remove and protect pump 10 when the lid 120 needs to be washed or otherwise cleaned, the pump may be made to be easily removable from the container lid. FIGS. 29-31 depict a preferred embodiment wherein motor 40, piston drive reciprocating member 50 and power supply 18 and other portions of pump 10 are disposed in a removable lid section 120 a that includes inwardly extending finger grips 199 formed into the exterior of section 120 a. The lower portion 198 of lid portion 120 a, containing part of the pump works, extends below mating edge 193 a and is configured to fit into depression opening 198 a within mating edge 193 b in lid 120. Removable lid section 120 includes latch members 195 a on either end that engage corresponding latch openings 195 b in container lid 120 to operably secure the mating edges 193 a of upper lid portion 120 a to the mating edges 193 b of lid 120 when the former is lowered onto the latter in the direction shown by the arrows. Lid portion 120 a also includes at least one mating member or opening 191 a to connect the pump 10 air inlet and/or outlet to a corresponding inlet and/or outlet 191 b on lid 120. Mating opening 191 b is further connected to connecting tube 108 (FIG. 23) to permit evacuation or pressurization of the container. Except for the pump mating connection openings, lid 120 is airtight. The pump-containing lid portion 120 a may also incorporate a contact switch 125 a, with the same structure and function as switch 125 described previously, to signal to the controller when pump-containing upper lid portion 120 a is in proper latched position on lid 120. Switch 125 a may include a lever with an end extending from upper lid portion edge 193 a that contacts mating edge 193 b of lid 120 to signal that the pump-containing lid portion is secured to the lid, and that pump 10 is permitted to start operation, as described previously.

In normal operation, where pump-containing lid portion 120 is mated to lid 120, the user grasps finger grips 199 with one hand and handles 197 on container 130 with the other to secure or remove the lid with respect to the container. The user separately removes lid portion 120 a containing pump 10 when lid 120 is to be cleaned by unlatching it from lid 120, and subsequently re-latching it back onto the lid after the lid cleaning is completed.

Thus, the present invention provides a hand-held, motorized combination vacuum/pressure pump, which in one aspect, is conveniently and externally switchable between the vacuum and pressure modes. In another aspect, the pump may be used exclusively in vacuum or pressure modes. In the former, the pump may also be combined with a container lid to automatically maintain a vacuum when in place; in the latter the pump may also be used with a needle to remove corks from wine bottles. The stopper of the present invention is conveniently switchable between pour and either vacuum- or pressure-keeping modes for the container. The pump and stopper of the present invention may be used in combination with each other, as described herein, or with other stoppers and pumps, respectively.

Additionally, the present invention provides an improved vacuum or pressure food storage device that filters air entering or leaving the container; protects the pump motor and power supply from excessive use in the case of an air leak in the container; permits calibration of the pressure or vacuum sensor prior to assembly into the container; permits removal of the pump prior to cleaning the lid; permits better hermetic sealing of the lid to the container; and moves the food with respect to the marinade while evacuating air from the container. It is particularly useful for storing foods such as coffee under a vacuum, and for marinating foods using a cyclic vacuum and/or pressure environment resulting in faster and better infusion and saturation of the marinade into the food.

While the present invention has been particularly described, in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as falling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

1. A method of marinating food comprising: providing a container for the food and a removable lid to hermetically seal the container, the lid having a pump for pressurizing air into or evacuating air from the container, and a controller adapted to cycle the pump on and off; hermetically sealing the food in the container in contact with a marinade; and using the controller, cycling the pump on and off to marinade the food in the container.
 2. The method of claim 1 including providing a pressure or vacuum indicator and using the pressure or vacuum indicator to turn the pump off when a desired degree of pressure or vacuum is achieved in the container.
 3. A method of marinating food comprising: providing a container for the food, the container having a pump for pressurizing air into or evacuating air from the container and a controller adapted to control the degree of pressure or vacuum to be achieved in the container, the time for which the pressure or vacuum is maintained, the admission of air into or evacuation of air out of the container, and the time for which the air admission or evacuation is maintained; providing a marinade in the container; hermetically sealing the food in the container in contact with the marinade; using the controller, repeatedly pressurizing air into or evacuating air from the container to a desired degree of pressure or vacuum, maintaining the food in contact with the marinade under the pressure or vacuum for a desired time, releasing the hermetic seal to permit air to enter or leave the container, and maintaining the food in contact with the marinade and the pressurized air or vacuum in the container for a desired time in accordance with a desired control program.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein the controller repeatedly: a) evacuates air from the container to a desired degree of vacuum, b) maintains the food in contact with the marinade under the vacuum for a desired time, c) releases the hermetic seal to permit air to enter the container, and d) maintains the food in contact with the marinade and the air in the container for a desired time, in accordance with a desired control program.
 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the food is disposed on the base of the container when in contact with the marinade, and further including raising the base of the container during evacuation of the container to move the food with respect to the marinade.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the container is provided with a flexible base, and wherein evacuating air from the container causes the base to raise as a result of pressure differential between the vacuum in the container and atmospheric air pressure outside the container.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein the controller includes a selection of control programs for different degrees of vacuum to be achieved in the container, times for which the vacuum is maintained, amount of air to be admitted into the container, and/or times for which the air admission is maintained, and including selecting the desired control program prior to using the controller.
 8. A method of storing food at a predetermined vacuum or pressure condition comprising: providing a container for the food, the container having an opening therein; providing a lid portion adapted to seal to the opening of the container, a vacuum or pressure pump having passages for removing or adding fluid through the lid portion, a motor attached to the lid portion for operating the pump, a battery attached to the lid portion for energizing the motor, and an electrical circuit connecting the battery and motor including a normally-closed indicator contact which is opened by an indicator when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level above or below that outside the container and a normally-opened switch contact closed by a switch when the lid portion is attached and sealed to a container; attaching the lid portion to the container; closing the indicator and switch contacts to activate the pump to remove or add fluids to the container through the lid portion; opening the indicator contact when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level of pressure or vacuum; and subsequently removing the lid portion from the container to open the switch contact and render the pump inoperable.
 9. The method of claim 8 further including providing in the lid portion a controller adapted to cycle the pump on and off and, prior to removing the lid portion, using the controller to cycle the pump on and off.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the pump is a vacuum pump and the indicator includes a normally-closed indicator contact which is opened when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level below that outside the container, and including opening the indicator contact when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level of vacuum.
 11. The method of claim 8 wherein the pump is a vacuum pump and further including providing in the lid portion a controller adapted to cycle the pump on and off and, prior to removing the lid portion, using the controller to cycle the pump on and off.
 12. A lid for a container to be maintained at a predetermined vacuum or pressure condition comprising a lid portion adapted to seal to the opening of a container, a vacuum or pressure pump having passages for removing or adding fluid through the lid portion, a motor attached to the lid portion for operating the pump, a battery attached to the lid portion for energizing the motor, and an electrical circuit connecting the battery and motor including a normally-closed indicator contact which is opened by an indicator when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level above or below that outside the container and a normally-opened switch contact closed by a switch when the lid portion is attached and sealed to a container, wherein when the lid portion is initially attached and sealed to the container, the indicator and switch contacts are closed and the pump removes or adds fluid to the container through the lid portion until pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level, whereupon the indicator contact opens, and wherein when the lid portion is removed from the container the switch contact opens and the pump is inoperable.
 13. The lid of claim 12 further including a controller in the lid portion adapted to cycle the pump on and off.
 14. The lid of claim 12 wherein the pump is a vacuum pump and the indicator includes a normally-closed indicator contact which is opened when pressure in the container reaches a predetermined level below that outside the container.
 15. The lid of claim 12 wherein the pump is a vacuum pump and further including a controller in the lid portion adapted to cycle the pump on and off.
 16. The lid of claim 12 wherein the pump includes a pump chamber; a piston in sliding, substantially airtight engagement with walls of the pump chamber, adapted to reciprocate in a direction between pressure and vacuum strokes within the chamber, for pumping air into or out of the pump, and wherein the motor powers a rotatable output shaft, and further including a piston drive operatively connecting the motor output shaft and the piston comprising a member extending transversely to the direction of movement of the piston and a track extending circumferentially around and engaging the transversely extending member in sliding relationship, the track having a non-linear configuration such that, upon rotation of the output shaft, the transversely extending member slides with respect to the track and imparts a reciprocating motion to the operatively connected piston within the pump chamber.
 17. The lid of claim 16 wherein the track has a substantially sinusoidal configuration.
 18. The lid of claim 16 wherein the transversely extending member comprises at least one wheel slidingly received in the track.
 19. The lid of claim 16 wherein the transversely extending member comprises at least one wheel slidingly captured in the track, the track having a substantially sinusoidal configuration.
 20. The lid of claim 16 wherein the track extends circumferentially around an interior wall of a reciprocating drive member operatively connected to the piston and the transversely extending member is disposed on a rotatable drive member operatively connected to the motor output shaft, the rotatable drive member extending within the reciprocating drive member and adapted to rotate the transversely extending member to cause the transversely extending member to slide within the track and impart reciprocating motion to the operatively connected piston within the pump chamber. 